How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun?

Summer season is
finally here. Trips to exotic places, long walks on the beach and general
happiness, we have waited for this time the whole year. Sun, we welcome you
back into our lives.

However, the Sun
does much more than carving smiles on our faces and reminding us how joyful
life can be. One thing we must keep in mind is that the Sun is dangerous for
our skin. And now, that summer has begun, open season on our wellbeing starts.

I am dramatizing
too much, true, but I am serious with my claims that sun can get dangerous.
Exposure to sun’s UV rays can damage your skin beyond repair. Skin cancer, for
example, is one of the permanent damages of UV rays.

But there is no
need for mass hysteria. Sun is no mean a murder machine on a hunt for
humankind. It is our friend and life giver. None of my friends are
note-perfect. And my buddy since day one, the Sun, is no exception.

There are multiple
ways of protecting your protection from the sun. Some of them are a no-brainer,
whereas some might strike you as a surprise. Without further ado, here is how
you can protect your skin from the sun.

Sunscreen

The first choice is
the most obvious one. But I cannot stress enough the importance of sunscreen. You
should use it every day. Even if the clouds have graced the sky.

The safest way to
handle sunscreen is to apply it 15-20 minutes before you leave the house. I
must admit that I am guilty of not abiding by that rule. Not whenever I leave
the house, that is. But to make myself up, I always carry a sunscreen bottle in
my bag.

When shopping for
sunscreen, pay attention to its SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Never settle for
less than 30. Bald men should be particularly cautious during sunny days. While
others protect their scalp with hair, they must apply sunscreen to that area or
wear a hat at all times.

Some lotions and
other makeup contain sunscreen in them. Keep an eye on those products. The SPF
in should be at least 15.

Sun Protective
Clothes

Why only rely on
sunscreen only when you can add another layer of protection? These days some
clothes come with UPF (Ultra-Violet Protection Factor). They turn your body
into a fortress against all damages the Sun can cause.

Wide-brimmed hats
are a classic wear for this time of year. They look fabulous but also protect
your head from UV rays. Choose a hat that’s at least four inches wide. It will
protect not only the scalp but the ears as well. Skin cancer tends to develop
on those areas, and the burns hurt like hell.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses look
cool, sure, but that shouldn’t be the only reason to wear them. The ideal
sunglasses have large frames. They should cover the skin around your eyes.
Also, check if your glasses have polarized lenses with UV filters.

But some glasses
are tricky. What I mean with that is, not all sunglasses have protective value.
Restrain yourself from buying anything reflective – glasses with mirrors, for
example. They look mesmerizing, but they bounce UV light onto the cheeks.

Diet

We don’t think
about this one very often, but our meals have protective value as well. Diet is
a crucial way of adapting to our external environment. Some foods can provide
internal protection from UV lights.

Our bodies produce
an enzyme that repairs UV-damaged skin. This enzyme has a daily cycle of
production. Irregular and unusual meals alter their production. So, instead of
grabbing a midnight snack, opt for one of these foods.

Foods that
accelerate the production of the enzyme are:

• Watermelons

• Blueberries

• Carrots

• Leafy greens (for example, kale, spinach, and
cabbage)

• Green tea

• Cauliflower

• Nuts

• Seeds

With these
practices and a little mindfulness, you can have the summer of your dreams!